Curle savours late win

Notts County manager Keith Curle was "elated" as his side moved to within three points of the League One play-offs with a 1-0 win over Chesterfield.

For the second game in a row under new boss Curle the Magpies left it late to snatch the victory, with Jonathan Forte scoring the winner in the 80th minute. However, Curle's men were worth their win, as the Spireites failed to register a shot on goal in the first half, and although they improved after the break, they could not find an equaliser.

Curle said: "I am elated, even though I might not seem it - underneath I am ecstatic. It was a well-taken win, and I think there's something in the changing room we can build on."

The Magpies had been dealt a blow pre-match as Alan Sheehan picked up an injury in the warm-up, with Jon Harley - not initially in the squad - having to be dragged away from a nearby cafe to play.

Curle said: "We had to get Jon Harley out of Costa Coffee to come and play after Alan Sheehan pulled a glute muscle. I think that's a lesson to everyone that you should be ready to play until three o'clock.

"I heard some criticism of Jon's delivery in the first half, but I think he was still digesting his coffee, and he hadn't warmed up either.

"He had to have special permission to play from the referee, and from Chesterfield as well, so we're thankful to them for that."

Spireites manager John Sheridan said: "We weren't at it first half, but I thought we improved second half.

"We could have got something out of it if we'd taken one of our chances - and their keeper has made some good saves.